We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gabrielle Allen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gabrielle below.

Gabrielle , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

At the outset, Geaux Gabby Go was a one-person operation—just me, diving headfirst into the entrepreneurial waters. The journey from that initial solo phase to building a team was both exhilarating and challenging.

When I started, it was a mix of excitement and anxiety. Every task, from marketing to customer service, was on my plate. This solo stint was crucial; it gave me a deep understanding of every aspect of the business, which later proved invaluable in leading a team.

As the business began to grow and the workload became overwhelming, I knew I needed to bring in help. Recruiting my first team members was a blend of traditional and unconventional approaches. I began by reaching out to my network—friends, former colleagues, and industry contacts. I also advertised the positions on local job boards and social media, which helped attract candidates who were passionate about our mission.

The interview process was relatively informal at first. I focused on finding individuals who were not only skilled but also aligned with our company’s values and culture. Given that we were a small startup, I valued enthusiasm and adaptability over extensive experience. Interviews often felt more like conversations, where we discussed not just qualifications but also the potential for growth and contribution to the team’s vision.

One unconventional aspect of our recruitment was the trial projects. Instead of relying solely on traditional interviews, I had candidates complete short, relevant tasks that mirrored the work they’d be doing. This approach gave both parties a clearer sense of fit and capability, and it was a great way to see how they handled real-world challenges.

Training was equally hands-on. I didn’t have a formal training program initially, but I made it a priority to immerse new hires in our company culture and values right from the start. We learned together, with frequent check-ins and open lines of communication. The learning curve was steep, but it fostered a strong sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

If I were starting Geaux Gabby Go today, I’d approach recruitment with a more structured process from the beginning. Building a more formalized onboarding and training program would help new hires acclimate faster and more effectively. Additionally, investing in a recruitment specialist or team earlier on could streamline the hiring process and help find the best talent more efficiently. Despite the challenges, the journey of growing from a solo entrepreneur to leading a team has been incredibly rewarding.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into real estate was anything but conventional. I began my career as a teacher, a role that deeply shaped my skills in communication, organization, and patience. Teaching was fulfilling, but I felt a pull toward a different kind of challenge. That’s when I transitioned into property management. It was a shift that introduced me to the intricacies of real estate, from maintaining properties to managing tenant relationships.

It was during my time in property management that I was fortunate enough to receive mentorship from seasoned real estate professionals. Their guidance was pivotal in my transition into a full-fledged real estate career. They helped me understand not just the technical aspects of the business but also the mental resilience required to thrive in this field.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in real estate is that it’s far from a cookie-cutter role. Each day presents unique challenges, and the path to success is rarely straightforward. It’s a profession that demands mental fortitude and the ability to adapt quickly. You quickly realize that you can’t help everyone, and maximizing your time effectively is crucial.

I take great pride in my persistence. There were numerous hurdles along the way—market fluctuations, challenging clients, and the inevitable setbacks that come with any career. Yet, through it all, I’ve remained committed to pushing forward. This resilience has not only shaped my career but has also been a key factor in my growth and success in real estate.

The journey has taught me that while real estate can be unpredictable, a strong mindset and the ability to stay focused on your goals are essential. It’s about finding balance, knowing when to push through challenges, and understanding that not every situation will fit a perfect mold.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding Geaux Gabby Go was a journey of resourcefulness and unwavering determination. In the early days, I had to be creative and persistent to get the business off the ground. Balancing multiple part-time jobs was crucial; these roles provided the financial stability I needed while I laid the groundwork for my real estate venture. Every paycheck was a stepping stone toward funding Geaux Gabby Go, and I was meticulous about saving and reinvesting every cent I could.

In addition to traditional employment, I ventured into short-term rentals. This not only provided a steady stream of income but also offered valuable insights into property management and the real estate market. Managing these rentals helped me build a network, understand market demands, and gain hands-on experience—all of which were instrumental as I scaled my business.

Faith played a significant role throughout this process. There were times when the road ahead seemed uncertain and the challenges overwhelming. But maintaining a strong belief in my vision and my ability to overcome obstacles kept me motivated. It was this faith that fueled my persistence, helping me stay focused and resilient even when progress was slow.

Despite the difficulties, I never wavered in my commitment to making Geaux Gabby Go a success. Each setback was met with a renewed determination to push forward. The combination of hard work, strategic financial management, and a deep-seated belief in my goals allowed me to navigate the financial challenges of starting and growing a real estate business.

Looking back, I’m proud of how I leveraged every opportunity and resource available to fund and develop Geaux Gabby Go. The journey was far from easy, but it was through this perseverance and resourcefulness that I was able to turn my vision into reality.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media was a journey of trial and error, learning, and growth. Initially, I didn’t have a clear strategy or understanding of how to leverage social media effectively. My first attempt involved hiring a social media marketer, a move that, in hindsight, was more of a shot in the dark. I didn’t fully grasp what I wanted or needed from the partnership, and it took me a while to realize that having a strong social media presence required more than just delegating tasks.

It became clear that to truly connect with my audience, I needed to get comfortable with being on camera and sharing my personal story. This was a significant shift from my initial approach. I had to step out of my comfort zone and learn how to present myself authentically and engagingly. I found that people connect with stories and real experiences, not just polished content.

I also had to confront the reality that the value I held in my mind—my knowledge, insights, and experiences—needed to be shared with my audience in a meaningful way. I began to see social media not just as a platform for promotion, but as a powerful tool for storytelling and building genuine relationships.

Here’s some advice for those just starting to build their social media presence:

Be Authentic: People are drawn to genuine content. Share your story, your challenges, and your successes. Authenticity fosters trust and connection.

Learn by Doing: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Try different types of content, formats, and posting schedules to see what resonates best with your audience.

Engage with Your Audience: Social media is a two-way street. Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and engage with your followers. Building a community involves active interaction.

Educate Yourself: Take time to understand the basics of social media marketing, even if you plan to hire someone. Knowing how platforms work and what strategies are effective will help you make informed decisions.

Share Your Value: Recognize the unique insights and knowledge you have and find ways to deliver that value through your content. Your expertise is what will attract and retain your audience.

Be Patient and Persistent: Building an audience takes time. Stay consistent with your content, continue learning, and keep engaging with your followers. Growth may be slow initially, but persistence pays off.

The journey of building my social media presence taught me the importance of personal engagement and authentic storytelling. By focusing on these elements and being willing to learn and adapt, I was able to create a more meaningful and impactful connection with my audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.geauxgabbygo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geauxgabbygo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geauxgabbygo?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits

Jeffrey Vaughan